An survey on the awareness of and attitude toward AIDS in different populations in Shunde and assessment of health intervention

Objective To investigate the awareness of and attitude toward AIDS in different populations in Shunde and evaluate the health intervention on those people, and to provide scientific support for preventing and controlling AIDS in the future. Methods Samples of population were selected from the communities, factories, schools, compulsory rehabilitation centers, and recreation facilities in Shunde with cluster sampling to conduct a baseline questionnaire survey on the awareness of AIDS and attitude toward AIDS patients. Then AIDS-associated health intervention including pamphlets, lectures, short movies, knowledge contests were performed. The same questionnaire survey was then conducted to collect information about HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitude after the intervention. Results A total of 2793 subjects were interviewed. 65.5 % of them considered AIDS was terrible, 41.9% thought that individuals with AIDS infection shouldn't work normally, 35.10% were reluctant to shake hands or have dinner with HIV-positive individuals, 37.6% had no idea that they could receive a free examination for HIV/AIDS at certain medical facilites. The awareness rate of AIDS was 75.4% to 83.9%. After intervention, 2603 subjects were re surveyed and the awareness rate elevated to 86.7% - 97.4% and differed significantly (x2 = 131.60, .P<0.001). Conclusions The health intervention has a marked effect on different populations. We should strengthen health education to improve the awareness of AIDS. Key words: Populations;  Awareness of AIDS;  Attitude;  Intervention;  Effect evaluation